I just received my KitchenAid 8 qt. Stand Mixer. I have previously owned one 5.5 qt., and two 6 qt. KitchenAid Stand Mixers. After purchasing the 5.5 qt., I bought the first 6 qt. because I needed a larger capacity bowl for the dozens of cookies I make in one session. Subsequently, a more powerful 6 qt. was released and I bought that one because the cookie dough I make is pretty thick. I gave the 1st 6 qt. to my daughter. However, the thick cookie dough continued to make even the new mixer work really hard. Although, it did get the job done. When I saw that a 7 qt. 1.3 hp was being produced, I decided to upgrade again. However, right before I ordered it, I came across the commercial NSF 8 qt. 1.3 hp.. So, I ordered that one instead. I'm keeping the 6 qt. for smaller jobs and for when I need to use 2 mixers at the same time for different projects. I have so far set the mixer up and run the motor for over 20 minutes to ensure it works before I start making the large batches of cookies later this week. Well, it works great. The 6 qt. was louder and it also wobbled across the counter as it mixed and I didn't feel comfortable leaving it running without being very close by at all times. That was a hassle as I could not easily accomplish other cooking tasks at the same time. This machine does not wobble at all. And, after 20 minutes the motor became warm but not hot like with the 6 qt.. I will not know for sure how it handles the thick dough until later this week. But, I expect no problems. I did not find an issue with snapping the bowl in place, like some others have reported. But, I do have a lower counter that I use for my mixer and food processor that gives me more leverage than if they were at normal counter height. Yes, the edge of the bowl is not rolled like the 6 qt.. That's because it's National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified and it prevents food from getting trapped in the roll and then allowing bacteria to grow (I looked it up :) ). The edge is not sharp either. Another big benefit that I like is that the beater, whip and dough hook are all stainless steel. This is unlike the aluminum ones that come with the smaller KitchenAid mixers. Also, the pouring shield from my 6 qt. works with this machine. It's also great that the 6 qt. bowls, beaters, ice cream maker and all my other attachments fit (e.g. pasta maker, juicer, food processer, meat grinder, etc.). Additionally, it's a bit taller than the 6 qt.. But, it's not much wider and the KitchenAid cover I used on the 6 qt. fits just fine. I love the Empire Red color too (even with the orange cord). I think this will be the last mixer I will ever have to buy - unless I decide to open my dream bakery at which time I will probably have to go with a Hobart. Thanks KitchenAid! Update: I have now made over 30 dozen cookies and this machine works without hesitation. It did wobble a bit; but, nothing like the smaller KitchenAid machines.
